Duke Energy Foundation has announced a $500,000 grant program for community colleges in North Carolina to help train workers for energy and skilled trade careers. Up to 20 community colleges will be eligible for grants of $25,000 each. The funding aims to expand or strengthen programs such as lineworker training, engineering technology, welding, plumbing, construction trades, and vehicle maintenance.
This initiative comes as North Carolina experiences rapid growth and increased energy demand. According to the company, a strong workforce pipeline is necessary to meet these needs.
Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System, said: “Our community colleges align education with real workforce needs – driving skills, careers and economic mobility across North Carolina. Investments like this from partners such as Duke Energy Foundation help us build and sustain programs that connect students to in-demand jobs and strengthen the talent pipeline our state needs to thrive.”
Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina state president, stated: “This investment reflects our long-term commitment to building a skilled, homegrown workforce that keeps North Carolina’s economy moving and our energy grid strong. Community colleges are at the heart of that talent pipeline, helping us meet this moment head-on.”
Eligible colleges can apply for the grants through Feb. 25 via the Duke Energy Foundation’s website.
Over the past five years, Duke Energy and its foundation have invested more than $6 million in workforce development efforts across the state.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides over $30 million annually in philanthropic support funded by shareholders. Duke Energy serves 8.6 million electric customers across six states and operates 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in five states.
The company continues investing in electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources while maintaining customer reliability during its ongoing energy transition.
More information about Duke Energy is available at duke-energy.com and on the Duke Energy News Center.
